Texans Open Training Camp

posted by KTRH's Cliff Saunders
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2 years ago

The Houston Texans are opening up their first training camp under new head coach Bill O’Brien this weekend. Despite saying he wasn’t sure if he would show up on time for camp, wide receiver Andre Johnson reportedly showed up on time. Sports Talk 790’s Greg Koch explains he did so because of his own bottom line.

“He’s lost over a million dollars in fines. When they can fine you 30-thousand dollars a day and you have no real leverage there’s no reason to lose any more money,” Koch said.

But just because he reported doesn’t mean Johnson is happy about things.

“He would rather go to another team at this stage of his career. He knows it’s likely he will be released next year. He’ll be 34 years old next year and I think he’d like to play for a winner,” Koch stated.

Team has other concerns

The Texans are coming off a 2-14 season that saw Coach Gary Kubiak get fired. Injuries were a big problem for the club, including a season shortening back injury to star running back Arian Foster. Koch says he’s more concerned about that than a lot of other things.

“Arian Foster is the key to this offense. They have to be able to run the ball. And Foster’s backups have a history of getting hurt,” Koch explained.

But one player Koch is excited about is the top pick from May’s NFL Draft, Jadeveon Clowney out of South Carolina.

“I want to see how he plays. He’s been called either the next great Hall of Fame player or a complete bust. I’m a big Jadeveon Clowney fan,” Koch told KTRH News.

New coach, new attitude

The team made the move to hire former New England Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien as the replacement for Kubiak. Koch says the new coach is going to bring a different feel to training camp.

“It won’t be as laid back. Everyone will compete for a job. It’s going to be one of the toughest training camps the Texans have had in a while,” Koch said. “He’s a no-nonsense guy. Some Texans who were used to the laid back style of Gary Kubiak better wake up.”